Lisgoole Abbey facts for kids
Lisgoole Abbey (Irish: Lios Gabhail) is a big house with a special tower, located near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. It has large grounds and is now owned by a private family. Long ago, it was a place where monks lived and prayed. This monastic site was first built around the 12th century.
The abbey faced challenges, like being burned down in 1360. But it was quickly rebuilt and used again. In 1583, it was given to the Franciscan order of monks. A famous Irish historian, Mícheál Ó Cléirigh, visited in 1631. He worked with other scholars to create an important book called Lebor Gabála Érenn. This book, also known as "the book of invasions," tells stories in the Gaelic language. Over the years, Lisgoole Abbey has been used for many different things. It was an orphanage in the 1800s and even a base for American soldiers during the Second World War.
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The Start of Lisgoole Abbey
Lisgoole Abbey was also known as the Abbey Church of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Mary. It was built on the southern side of upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This spot was once an old Irish monastery dedicated to St. Aid. In the 1100s, it was taken over by the Canons Regular of St. Augustine. A king named Mc'Noellus Mackenlef officially dedicated the site.
Over time, the name of the abbey was written in different ways. Some of these names included Lesa Gabail, Lisngabail, and Lis Gabhail.
Lisgoole Abbey's History
The abbey was burned in 1360, along with other abbeys in places like Devenish and Sligo. But it was soon fixed up and used again. The abbey continued to be a religious place for a long time. In 1583, the abbot, Cahill McBrien McCuchonnaght Maguire, decided to give the abbey to the Franciscan order. Even though new building work was happening, the monks had to leave in 1598.
The Plantation Era
In 1609, during the time of King James of England, an investigation looked at the lands of Fermanagh. The lands of Lisgoole Abbey were given to Sir Henry Brunckar. This included the abbey itself and the old church and yard. The area was measured in "quarters" and "parcels" of land. Each parcel was called a tithe and was thought to be about 30 acres.
Lisgoole was considered a good spot for a new settlement, which later became Enniskillen. The Lord Deputy, Chichester, thought it would be a great place to build a town. He wanted to build on both sides of the river to protect a bridge and make travel safe. Chichester liked Lisgoole so much that he ordered houses to be built there for soldiers. He also wanted a jail, a court, and a weekly market.
However, the owners of Lisgoole did not agree with this plan. The officials eventually chose Enniskillen as the best place for the new town. In 1608, Chichester confirmed that Enniskillen was the right spot. A free school that was supposed to be built at Lisgoole was instead built at Portora. The monks eventually returned to Lisgoole in 1616.
The Four Masters Gather
In 1631, the Irish historian and scholar Brother Mícheál Ó Cléirigh visited Lisgoole. He worked with other scholars like O'Mulcrony and Cucoigry O'Glery. Together, they put together the Lebor Gabála Érenn, which means "the book of invasions." This book tells stories in the Gaelic language. This meeting was the first time these scholars, who later became known as the Four Masters, worked together. They went on to write the important Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland (Annals of the Four Masters). It is said that they started this work on October 22, 1631, and finished by December 22 of the same year.
Later, in 1644, Connor, Lord Maguire, faced serious consequences in London. His last wishes were kept by the friars at the abbey. He left money to the abbey for prayers. In 1671, it was reported that a friar from Lisgoole, Paul O Feararan, met Oliver Plunkett at the abbey. At that time, there were five friars living at Lisgoole.
17th and 18th Centuries
In 1698, the abbey was sold to Mr. Thomas Smith. Not much is known about Lisgoole until 1739, when a special cup called a chalice was given to the abbey by Sir Bryan Maguire. The land that once belonged to the abbey was leased out to different people over the years, including members of the Armstrong family.
In 1780, a group led by Black Francis McHugh raided the abbey. The monks continued their religious work well into the 1700s. The last recorded friar from the area, Fr. Stephen Keenan, passed away in Enniskillen in 1811.
19th and 20th Centuries
In 1819, John Armstrong sold the abbey to Michael Jones for £12,300. In 1892, Michael Jones's wife, Mrs. Isabella Diana Jones, left the abbey to local charities. One of these was the Fermanagh Protestant Orphan Society. Later, Mr. Robert Johnston bought it. He passed away in 1913, and the abbey went to his nephew, Robert William Johnston. By this time, only a small part of the original abbey was still part of the house.
During the Second World War, American army groups used this area as a base. These groups included the 109th Medical Battalion in 1942. The 8th Medical Battalion also used it from December 1943 to 1944.
Leaders of Lisgoole Abbey
- Augustin – died 1329
- Adam Ó Cianain, a canon and historian – 1373
- Donal Lennon, prior – 1380
- Hugh O Flanagan, prior – 1419
- Simon Mac Arachain, a canon – 1431
- Luke Lennon, prior – 1434
- Eoin Lennon, prior – 1446
- Redmond Roe Maguire, prior – 1522
- William McCormick, prior – 1583
